It is official, Michael Schumacher will retire from the Formula 1 World Championship at the end of the 2006 season. After taking a perfect victory at the Italian Grand Prix in front of the Tifosi, Schumacher announced that he would call it quits after becoming, by far the most successful racer of all time. This was Michael's official and heartfelt announcement:
"This is the last Monza race I'll do and at the end of this year I've decided with the team I'll retire from racing. It has been an exceptional time the last thirty years of what motorsport has given to me - I've loved all the good and bad moments and they've made it so special.
I want to thank my family, my dad, mum, wife and kids all of whom have supported what I've been doing. Without their support to survive in this business and perform would be impossible. I can't be thankful to my family enough and to all my mates from the Benetton times and Ferrari days where I've made so many friends here and it's been a really tough decision to decide not to work together any more.
One day, it has to come, and I feel this is the moment. In terms of timing, I think it is right to give Felipe to find his place in the team and decide his future and there was no point for my decision to be taken any further as he's been doing such a good job for the team."
This announcement came from Michael Schumacher in the post-race press conference, with Michael doing the best to hold back his emotions and his tears. I could not do the same, for me the tears began when I saw Michael cross the line, I knew the Schumacher era was coming to an end. It couldn't come in any better of form, a flawless victory in Italy, with Ferrari, in front of the Tifosi, taking ten points out of Alonso's Championship lead, truly the best time for Schumacher to announce his retirement.
We could go on forever reminiscing about Schumacher's career and what is to come from Michael, but we won't. Michael Schumacher will retire at the end of the 2006 season. That is all which needs to be said.
